Who is RES? 

RES is the world’s largest independent renewable energy company. At the forefront of the industry for 40 years, RES has delivered more than 23GW of renewable energy projects across the globe and supports an operational asset portfolio exceeding 12GW worldwide for a large client base.

Who owns RES?

RES is a privately owned family business – established in the UK in 1981.  The Australian business was established in 2004 and employs over 160 staff nationally.

How big is the project? 

The project layout has been optimised to 47 turbines 5200 hectares approximately 16km north east of Stawell. The battery component comprises of approximately 480 containers over 12 hectares  The majority of the land will form part of the wind farm project, but the infrastructure itself will only take up approximately 2% of the 5,200 hectares.

How much power will the project produce?

The Wind Farm will produce up to 376MW – enough to power approximately 190,000 homes per year. The Battery will store up to 400 MW of power and will be capable of supplying this continuously for up to three hours. It will be used to provide grid support such as frequency support, as well as storing energy from the wind farm.

How long will the construction process take?

Subject to approval, construction for the Project is scheduled to commence in Mid/Late 2026 and take between 2 – 3 years.

Why has the location been chosen?

This site has been selected as it is ideal for a renewable energy development for the following reasons:

• Close proximity to the Bulgana Substation, which is being upgraded as part of the Western Renewables Link (WRL) transmission project.
• Excellent transport access with minimal impact to local roads and easy access to major roads.
• Gently undulating terrain which reduces the need for extensive civil ground preparations.
• Generous distance buffering (1.5km+) of wind turbines to the nearest non-involved dwellings.
• The Project site has historically been heavily cleared for agricultural purposes, making it easier to reduce environmental impacts and avoid unnecessary impacts.
• Complementary use of land with minimal impact on existing farming practices.
• Significant wind resource, evident by the number of nearby operational wind farms.

What is the planning and approval process for the Project?

The Environmental Effects Statement (EES) Referral was lodged with the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) in August 2022. The Minister determined that no EES was required, subject to conditions. The conditions require RES to prepare an Environmental Report focusing on:

• Biodiversity impacts (birds and bats, native vegetation and waterways)
• Migration on biodiversity impacts
• Collative effects from existing wind farms in the region.

The Environmental Report needs to be accepted by the Minister before a planning permit approval can be granted.

The Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) Referral was lodged in August 2022. The minister determined that the Watta Wella Renewable Energy Project will require formal assessment and approval under the EPBC Act. The decision is based on the presence and potential impact on listed threatened species and communities or migratory species within the project area. The EPBC act approval is required before a planning permit can be made.

Work is now underway to finalise the Environmental Report before submitting an application in mid-2024.

Is it possible for me to host the project on my land?

The project is well advanced in terms of the existing studies we have conducted, and we may not be able to expand the project boundary at this stage. We’re still happy to discuss at a high level, depending on the location and impact to the existing studies and constraints.

How big are the turbines/ battery containers?

The turbine size will depend on both turbine availability and commercial suitability. The procurement process will commence shortly and will be informed by the outome of the planning application process. = For flexibility of turbine selection, a conservative “maximum turbine envelope” has been used in all technical reports and environmental studies.RES will be seeking planning approval up to the following maximum specifications:

• Power output of up to 8MW each.
• Tip height: 255m
• Hub height: 166m
• Blade length: 89m

Why are wind turbines getting larger?

Globally wind turbines have been getting larger as, at higher altitudes, wind speeds are typically stronger and more consistent. Additionally, larger turbines allow for longer blades, which further enhances their ability to capture wind energy. This trend towards bigger turbines improves the economy of scale. Greater power per turbines reduces the total number of turbines required and helps to reduce the cost of energy production.

Do larger turbines produce more noise?

Advancements in turbine design and technology have enabled manufacturers to mitigate noise levels even as turbines increase in size. This is due to improvements in aerodynamics, lower rotation speeds in larger versus smaller turbines and application of noise reduction technologies.

To what extent will neighbours be impacted (visual and noise)?

RES takes noise and visual impacts seriously and it is important for us to understand the impacts our projects have on those nearby. We do this through consultation with impacted neighbours and Visual/Noise Impact Studies as part of the Development Application process. These are done so that any exceedances of the State Government thresholds and guidelines can be highlighted and mitigated.

Throughout this process, any residents that might receive impacts that potentially exceed these guidelines will be consulted with on a case-by-case basis to make sure that each resident has a solution that is suitable for them and their household.

If RES cannot demonstrate that impacts are within the recommended limits or that impacts have been accepted and agreed with directly affected Neighbours, planning approval will not be received. Additionally, if the Project cannot demonstrate this compliance during operation, licenses may be revoked, and generation will cease.

What are the health impacts of wind/battery projects?  

Wind and Battery energy is a safe, effective and sustainable form of energy generation. RES is a responsible family-owned organisation and we take our obligations to the community extremely seriously. With all our activities we are guided by statutory requirements and advice from leading authorities and peak bodies.

A study was commissioned by National Health and Medicine Research Council, which had been directed by the Australian Government to explore health complaints made by some people living near wind farms. The study found that the infrasound generated by wind turbines does not make people dizzy or nauseous, does not affect heart health or mental health, or affect sleep You can view more information about this study here: https://www.smh.com.au/environment/sustainability/wind-turbines-infrasound-a-lot-of-noise-about-nothing-study-finds-20230322-p5cubm.html

Various other studies have been undertaken across the globe – a summary can be viewed here: https://www.aph.gov.au/DocumentStore.ashx?id=b0c779b3-00f8-4fe7-930e-84c377c8b809&subId=351098#:~:text=Opponents%20of%20wind%20farms%20have,farms%20is%20not%20a%20problem

What other infrastructure will there be on the site?

The site will require some additional infrastructure to support the ongoing operations and maintenance of the Project. This is expected to include the following:

• Access tracks with erosion and sediment control
• Site office/ warehouse building and operation & maintenance facilities.
• Car parks and temporary laydown area
• Electrical substations and switching station (wind & BESS) 
• Meteorological masts for measuring wind speed and other climatic conditions.
• Temporary construction facilities including a construction compound, borrow pit and concrete batching plant facilities.

This infrastructure will be contained within the site and is not anticipated to generate any impacts.

Is the project going to cause a fire risk or hinder the ability to fight fires?

Under normal operating circumstances, it’s extremely unlikely that a wind farm can cause or adversely affect a bush fire. The turbines are constructed on cleared hardstanding areas. Each turbine and building on the project site will have an Asset Protection Zone established around it and vegetation in these areas will be maintained during the operation of the project. Water tanks will be installed as part of the construction of the project.   

Wind farms are also highly unlikely to start a bushfire by attracting lightning. Should a wind turbine be struck by lightning, built-in control systems divert the voltage safely underground.[2]

The Project is required to develop asset protection and bushfire response procedures with the Country Fire Authority (CFA). RES is required to develop and implement a bushfire management plan that includes response strategies such as shutting down and positioning turbine blades to facilitate aerial access. If turbines and other tall structures are to be equipped with aviation obstacle lighting, RES must ensure there are procedures in place to quickly activate the lights during a bushfire or fog event to increase the transparency of these obstacles to pilots. RES must also consult with the CFA to develop other appropriate procedures, such as curtailment of turbines, to minimise impacts to firefighting efforts.[3]

Wind farms can assist firefighting efforts. The roads and safe-turn-around points provided by wind farm infrastructure can enable local firefighters to safely access areas that were otherwise inaccessible, providing firebreak, backburn and safe evacuation opportunities.

In 2013, during a grass fire at a South Australian wind farm ignited by lightning, the access roads built for the wind farm proved beneficial for firefighters. These access tracks, initially installed for wind farm construction and maintenance, served as a natural firebreak, enhanced onsite accessibility and enabled effective back burning. This unexpected advantage positively impacted response times and the local fire brigade’s ability to combat fires on the wind farm or neighbouring properties.[4]

Aerial firefighting can continue to be undertaken around wind turbines if appropriate strategies, emergency management systems and communications protocols are in place. As part of the Watta Wella project, RES must develop and implement a bushfire management plan that includes response strategies such as shutting down and positioning turbine blades to facilitate aerial access and consult with the CFA to develop other appropriate procedures, such as curtailment (stopping) of turbines during fire events.

What are the benefits to the local community?

The project will require approximately 250 workers onsite during construction and approximately 25 full time site roles during the operation of the project, plus the creation of indirect and supply chain investment and employment. We will also work with the local community to explore preferred benefit sharing options and target areas for contribution and support. A Community Fund will be established for the project and will commence once the project is under construction. Funding will go towards community identified projects, local community groups, and local community organisations as determined by the community.

How will you/have you consulted with the community?

RES is committed to clear, honest, and transparent community engagement through all stages of a project lifecycle from initial site selection through to planning, construction and operations. The company’s approach to engagement is heavily influenced by and consistent with the Clean Energy Council’s (CEC) Best Practice Charter for Renewable Energy Development. We have developed a Community Engagement Plan and will seek feedback from the local community on our planned engagement process. Seven Community Information sessions have been held both in Stawell and at the Joel Joel Hall as well as one-on-one meetings with project neighbours, as requested. Community members are welcome to sign up via the link on the website to receive project updates.

Ongoing consultation activities include: 

• Community Information sessions;
• Newsletters/Project updates;
• One on One meetings with adjoining residents (face to face or remotely); and
• Community Liaison Meeting (following planning approval).

How close is the project to houses?

State regulations require a minimum separation of 1000m between houses and turbines, however RES have designed the project with a minimum 1500m buffer between non-involved houses and turbines.

Will property prices be affected?

No correlation has been demonstrated between wind turbines and declining property values. This has been demonstrated through a number of studies, including the Urbis study in 2016 undertaken on behalf of NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) in 2016. As a key conclusion of this study, Urbis stated: “it is our expert opinion that windfarms may not significantly impact rural properties used for agricultural purposes.”

Do wind farms impact insurance or rates for neighbouring properties?

RES carries all relevant insurances and is not aware of any impacts on insurance or rates of neighbouring properties.  We have also reached out to the Clean Energy Council who advised they weren’t aware of any demonstrated impact of insurance increasing on neighbouring properties as a result of a nearby renewable energy project.

Will the project impact on agricultural land?

The Project is located on land which will continue to be used for agricultural purposes while providing supplementary income to landholders. The overall footprint of the wind farm and associated infrastructure will take up only a small portion of the overall project site, approximately 2%, with the improvements to on-farm infrastructure such as tracks and fencing supporting day to day management of the existing enterprises.

Will the project kill birds and bats?

Before being granted planning approval, a wind farm proponent must undertake a detailed biodiversity assessment that considers all the biodiversity impacts of the proposal including clearing of native vegetation and indirect or prescribed species impacts including potential bird and bat strike.

Mortality figures from wind energy projects indicate an average rate of 1 to 3 bird fatalities per turbine per year[1]. These estimated mortality rates are considerably less than estimates for other anthropogenic sources. Millions of bird and bat deaths can be attributed each year to collisions with buildings, vehicles and power lines, and predation by feral and domestic cats.

This graph was published in the Australian Financial Review on 5 Feb 2024.

Will trees need to be cut down? 

The site is historically heavily cleared for agricultural activities. The Wimmera bioregion is one of Victoria’s most cleared bioregions – estimated to be 83.1% cleared since European settlement. RES design their projects to have as little impact as possible to the existing environment, however removal of some native trees is unavoidable. Turbines are placed in areas away from trees, tracks are designed around existing access roads and existing clearings are used for infrastructure wherever possible. The project has just undergone a careful detailed design review to reduce the impact to existing native vegetation.

Will the Project have adverse impacts on neighbouring properties or throughout the region? For example from flooding or soil erosion?

Erosion potential and localised flooding and drainage has been assessed as part of the planning application preparation. The project is not anticipated to significantly alter the existing land contours. More importantly it has demonstrated that there is no change to flood water flows, especially on to neighboring properties. It is important for the site stability to ensure overland flows are controlled and managed to ensure safety to the assets and lower ongoing maintenance costs during operation.

An Environmental Management Plan will be prepared that ensures measures are appropriately implemented and monitored throughout construction and operation so that there are no unacceptable impacts on the local area.

Are there any other environmental impacts that need to be managed?

The project’s Environmental Management Plan (EMP) will provide a comprehensive framework for managing all environmental issues associated with the project.

Will this mean cheaper electricity for the local community?

The energy market, including energy pricing, is managed by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). This means that, even if a large amount of electricity is being produced by a local energy source such as a Wind or Solar farm, it doesn’t necessarily mean that local communities will get access to cheaper electricity, however studies have shown that increased levels of renewable energy generators in the market will substantially reduce electricity prices over time. Energy subsidies could be provided to project neighbours, if that is something community members identify as a priority for the Project’s community benefit sharing program.

How long will the Project be there and what happens at end of life? 

In accordance with our core values, RES is accountable for what we do. We are motivated and empowered to deliver what we are responsible for. A wind farm is expected to have an operational life of approximately 30 years or more. After this time, the project owner will either decommission the site, restoring the area to its previous land use, or negotiate with landowners to repower or upgrade the equipment and extend the wind farm’s operational lifespan. In some cases, parts of the wind farm have remained post-decommissioning, however, it is most often because they continue to serve a functional purpose, such as the substation or access tracks. The Project will have a decommissioning plan which details the rights and responsibilities of parties during decommissioning, including any new project owner.

Further details about decommissioning can be found at the Clean Energy Council website: https://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/advocacy-initiatives/community-engagement/decommissioning

Can wind farm components be recycled?

According to a Clean Energy Council report released last year, around 85% to 94% of a wind turbine’s mass is recyclable. Leading turbine manufacturers are taking steps to increase the sustainability of the sector through a combination of research and demonstration projects with the aim to produce zero. You can view the CEC report here: https://assets.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/documents/Wind-turbine-recycling-report-2023.pdf

Aren’t wind farms/batteries expensive and inefficient compared to other types of energy sources?

The Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) for wind energy projects is much lower than the LCOE of any other form of generation. That means that the cost to build and operate a renewable energy project is far less than the cost to build and operate coal, nuclear and gas projects (3 to 4 times cheaper). https://reneweconomy.com.au/solar-and-wind-keep-getting-cheaper-and-crush-coal-gas-and-nuclear-on-costs-lazard/

The advantage of building a large wind farms is that it creates economies of scale, making it much more efficient to generate electricity on a large-scale basis. 

The advantage of battery storage is in its space efficiency and ability to be easily installed to renewable energy generators.

Will planes be affected by reflection and glare and/or wind from the turbines?

There will be no impact to planes as a result of the Project. RES has been working closely with Aviation consultants and nearby airfield owners to discuss the project impacts. An Aviation Impact Assessment has been undertaken and concludes that there will be no risks or untenable impacts.

Will the site disrupt local weather patterns?

No reliable evidence has been found to support the suggestion that development of local infrastructure assets such as wind farms can have any impact on local weather patterns.

How will RES manage impacts from construction?

RES is committed to identifying potential construction impacts and managing them responsibly. A Construction Management Plan will be developed for the Project that will reflect proposed control measures to minimize impact to the environment, adjoining neighbours, road users and the broader public.

We aim to reduce the impact of our works on the community and the environment with: 

• Standard construction hours and scheduling of work.
• Well-maintained equipment and plant.  
• Monitoring and management of all construction activities, ensuring all standards and guidelines are met.
• Regular project updates for our neighbours and the community, including information on any changes to local traffic conditions.
• Listening to feedback and suggestions on how local impacts might be reduced.

What will the impact to local roads be? 

RES acknowledges that managing the traffic and transport impacts of the project, particularly during construction, is critically important to the local community. A Traffic Impact Assessment is being undertaken in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards and advice from Council and Department of Transport and Vic Roads.

This assessment will include a detailed route study, calculation of approximate anticipated total traffic movements and assessment for over-sized and over-mass (OSOM) loads, including any locations of upgrade works to facilitate these movements.

Preliminary design activities have focused on reducing the number of proposed vehicular access points to maintain safe road driving conditions and minimise required changes to the road network.

RES is undertaking an assessment of transport routes and will consult with Department of Transport, Vic Roads and relevant local councils and the community to ensure the adequacy of proposed routes. A Traffic Management Plan will be developed in in accordance with identified requirements.

Where will local workers be accommodated? 

To the extent possible, accommodation will be sourced locally, however we are aware of the existing accommodation shortages in Stawell. RES and the contractor employed on the Project will work with the local council to determine the best accommodation options for the project.

Where is the concrete coming from for the project? 

Concrete will be batched at a temporary batching plant located on the project site.

Where will gravel for the roads come from?

Sources of gravel are currently being assessed both within the project footprint and from nearby suppliers.

Will the project introduce weeds to the local area?

The project will comply with its obligations under the Biosecurity obligations. Controls including vehicle washdowns will be implemented to manage the potential for the introduction of weeds to the project site.

Will construction or operation of the Project need to use additional water?

Water will be required for numerous construction activities such as concrete batching as well as personnel amenities. Water may also be required for dust control and equipment cleaning during construction. Ongoing water usage is minimal.

Will there be any disruptions to local power supply?

There may be some extremely limited interruption (through scheduled outage) to local power supplies at the time the Project is connected into the transmission line, however there will be no long-term impacts on local power supply.

Will the Project effect or interfere with mobile telecommunications during construction? 

The Project Team would work directly with telecommunication providers to ensure that there is ample connectivity during construction and operation of the wind farm. 

Will the commitments to the community be upheld if the project is sold?

Financial and in-kind commitments to the community that are formalised in the development of the project will transfer as obligations to a new project owner. Community fund, decommissioning and property costs are built into the financial model of a project, and these will be maintained irrespective of the project owner.

Will there be economic opportunities for local people? 

It is likely that the skills and numbers of workers required to deliver the Project may not be available locally or from close proximity to the site. RES will work with the selected contractor/s to examine the potential for local employment and to identify areas where learning and upskilling can occur to maximise the possibility. If you are looking to start a career in renewables or transition to a career in renewables, there are many ways you can be involved in this exciting and growing industry. You can search jobs on the Clean Energy Council website here; https://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/careers/clean-energy-careers-hub

Other possible indirect opportunities to create economic benefit from the project may include property rental, catering, coffee carts, hotels/motels, and other enterprises, subject to council approval. 

[1] https://shared-drupal-s3fs.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/master-test/fapub_pdf/NSW+Planning+Portal+Documents/Draft+Wind+Energy+Guideline+(2).pdf

[2] https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/nsw-plans-and-progress/major-state-projects/shift-renewables/wind-energy

[3] https://shared-drupal-s3fs.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/master-test/fapub_pdf/NSW+Planning+Portal+Documents/Draft+Wind+Energy+Guideline+(2).pdf

[4] https://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/news/in-case-of-fire-a-real-life-experience-at-a-wind-farm-site